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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Christmas Stuffed Shells that Wow Your Holiday Guests

Enjoy the festive flavor of Christmas Stuffed Shells, filled with ricotta and spinach, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Shells
  • 12 jumbo shells Jumbo Pasta Shells The foundation of this dish
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Must be well-drained if using frozen
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Creamy base for filling
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Cheese Can substitute with Parmesan
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Dried is fine
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Or a splash of lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Medium saucepan
  • colander
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Stuffed Shells
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Steam fresh spinach for 1 minute until wilted. Chop finely and drain excess water.
  3. Boil salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  4. In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9x13 baking dish.
  6. Fill each shell with the spinach and cheese mixture, placing them open side up in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove foil, check if cheese is bubbly, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Make ahead by preparing the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerating them until ready to bake.

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